All posts filed under: Article

“So it was always: the cloud covered it [tabernacle] by day, and the appearance of fire by night. Whenever the cloud was taken up from above the tabernacle, after that the Children of Israel would journey; and in the place where the cloud settled, there the children of Israel would pitch their tents. At the command of the Lord the Children of Israel would journey, and at the command of the Lord they would camp; as long as the cloud stayed above the tabernacle they remained encamped. Even when the cloud continued long, many days above the tabernacle, the Children of God kept the charge of the Lord and did not journey. So it was, when the cloud was above the tabernacle a few days: according to the command of the Lord they would remain encamped, and according to the command of the Lord, they would journey. So it was, when the cloud remained only from evening until morning: when the cloud was taken up in the morning, then they would journey; whether by day …

The fundamental truth about salvation is that we are saved by faith (believing on what Jesus accomplished on the cross) through grace (the love, mercies, favor, and power of God). But faith’s accomplishments doesn’t have to end there. Being human, there’s the tendency to want to fall back into sensual living rather than being led by the Holy Spirit. More times than we realize, we ignore the truth provided and put right in front of us, and exchange it for the sensual and more “logical” option that makes sense by our human thinking, and then wonder why we miss a lot that happens right in front of us. The disciples of Jesus made this mistake time and again, and only understood a lot that happened in retrospect. One of such times was the Last Supper. “21When Jesus had said these things, He was troubled in spirit, and testified and said, ‘Most assuredly I say to you, one of you will betray Me.’ 22Then the disciples looked at one another, perplexed about whom He spoke. 23Now …

The New Faces Director Many years ago, I worked in a major acting and modeling agency in the West as the New Faces Division Director (I will keep the agency unnamed). I was responsible for seeking new talent, vetting new talent, and training and helping develop new talent. Pretty much, you had to impress me in order for you to move forward to be represented as…new talent. It meant going forward to introduce models and actors to directors, casting directors, producers, and setting up “go-sees” for models for national and international agencies like IMG, BOSS, LA MODELS, and also, going to Milan, Paris, Japan. You get the idea. I LOVED my job and I was GOOD at it! During my time in this capacity, I was “important” because I had business cards and the card named my title. I WAS THE GATEKEEPER. I discovered some fantastic talent, met some colorful characters, and made some great friends and colleagues. I opened doors for many aspiring talent and I (unfortunately) single-handedly crushed many dreams of potential new …

“Come boldly to the Throne of Grace and obtain mercy and grace in your time of need.” —Hebrews 4:16 Samson is named in what is popularly referred to as the “Hall of Faith” in Hebrews 11. While the first few names were listed along with the events in which their faith travailed, other names that followed were simply mentioned; Samson was one name in the latter group. Some people often wonder why Samson is called a hero of faith—Didn’t his story end tragically? How could such a tragic tale be inspiring to anyone? Well, Samson is listed as a hero because his faith highlighted the depths that God’s redeeming grace, which yearns to restore man, could reach no matter how deep the pit of despair and destruction. It’s astounding that despite the horrors that happened to Samson because of continued complacency, he dared to have the bold faith that would lead him to pray to God and say, “O Lord, God, remember me…” This speaks of a person who’d known God on a deeply …

Samson was a great man of God whose birth was foretold, and his purpose made known to his parents before he was born. He was a leader among leaders, uniquely set apart in a very special way than all the other judges before him and after him. But Samson had a weakness: the type of women in his life. Now, the devil CANNOT possess a child of God because s/he is indwelt by the Holy Spirit. And as Jesus pointed out, “unless you bind the strongman in his house, you cannot loot or steal from him” (Matthew 12:29; Mark 3:27), and if the Holy Spirit is the “Strongman” in your house/temple (body), no devil can bind him and take you from Him. However, the devil is VERY cunning and has two ways by which he operates in the lives of God’s children: Strongholds and Footholds (a topic for another day). I’ll briefly discuss the one of the pair that matters to this topic: foothold. A foothold is something in your life that you DO that …

It has often been said that God answers in three ways—No, Yes, and Wait. But have you ever wondered about the dynamics behind “Yes” and “Wait”? I like to say that “wait” is a form of “yes.” But what about telling the difference between a “No” and a “Wait.” How can you tell when you should give up or wait for something in faith? The Holy Spirit does NOT mislead anyone. If the answer is “no,” He will shut the door, comfort your soul, inspire you to trust His leadership, and then lead you toward another direction by opening another door. The one thing He will NEVER do is, “string” you along. When it is a “wait” answer, you’ll discover that every time you want to give up praying for that particular thing, there’d be a stirring in your heart and soul inspiring you not to. Signs and messages from within and outside you will come along at just the right time so that you’ll never lose hope. That’s a “wait” answer. Question. How quickly …

Music is a language for all souls. It is a gift from God that helps us praise, worship and thank Him in a uniquely magnificent and joyous manner, as well as express who we are, our content, personal beliefs, and life experiences and lessons. No other form of utterance lifts up the soul, causes the spirit to rejoice, and moves the body joyfully all at the same time. Music has two parts—melody and lyrics. Instrumentals are tuned according to the melody. However, the more vital of the two is the lyrics. No matter how amazing a melody is, if its lyrics are offensive, the [offended group in the] audience won’t accept the song despite all of the work put into the music, no matter how awesome the output. This makes songwriting an important point of focus in the music-making process. For the Church, five purposes stand out: Primarily to tell the Truth rather than impress, which is the other way around in mainstream. It is in realizing this that we’re able to praise/worship/thank God through …